The Senate also employs 36 pages (ages 13–14) to help with daily tasks during each general session in a full-time residential program of high regard.

Pursuant to the original Virginia Constitution, the Senate was only permitted to file amendments, while the House of Delegates had the power to propose bills.

The Republicans solidified their majority following a special election win on August 19, 2014, which increased their total number of seats to 21.

[5] The Democratic Party regained control of Senate after the 2019 election and new members were sworn into office on January 8, 2020.

[6][7] As the legislative session opened, Louise Lucas was elected as the first female and African American President Pro Tempore.

In each quarter are smaller shields representing the arms of four countries (England, France, Scotland, and Ireland) that contributed settlers to Virginia's early waves of European immigration.

[14][15] The four coats of arms, a small crest of a crowned female head with unbound hair representing Queen Elizabeth (the Virgin Queen who named Virginia),[16] and the dragon (part of the Elizabethan royal seal of England) represent Virginia's European heritage.

[14][15] An ivory gavel emblazoned on the vertical arm of the red cross represents the Senate as a law making body.